In May 2019, Minister Littleproud pledged that a re-elected Coalition Federal Government would establish a $20 million grants scheme to boost agricultural shows.

On May 8, 2020, he announced that 122 regional agricultural show societies would share in the grants to renew and reinvigorate ageing show grounds through the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program.

Mr Tim Capp, President, Agricultural Societies Council of NSW said the funding will provide show societies and the greater community, the means to upgrade and build new infrastructure that will service the community multi-faceted.

"Since the beginning of year due to drought, fire and now COVID19, 60 NSW Shows have had to cancel. We have approximately another 100 shows unsure of whether they can go ahead in 2020," he said.

Mr Capp said agricultural shows have been an integral part of rural communities for over a century, with some agricultural societies approaching their 200th year.

"Agricultural shows are iconic events which provide community connections and wellbeing while also encouraging agricultural education through competitions and benchmarking of agricultural pursuits and produce," he explained.

"Coincidentally, it is often local show societies which are the first to offer their facilities and services as temporary accommodation when there are extreme weather events such as fires or floods."

In NSW there are currently 193 Shows scattered across the state and service many regional and remote communities, some for over 100 years, Mr Capp said.

The ASC NSW president said they tend to be the largest community event in most of these locations as well as the oldest and longest running.

"They are an integral part of the fabric of these communities and without them to showcase what the locale has to offer will significantly impact the economic contribution these communities make to their local economy," Mr Capp explained.

"I think more than ever people are seeing the importance in supporting local businesses, lets hope the same will happen when the local show society is able to run their next show."

Minister Littleproud said these grants will help show societies refurbish their show grounds and facilities, so that when their next event rolls around it will be even more attractive to show goers.

"Ag shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities," he said.

"They bring and keep communities together, link the country to the city and provide a key boost to these local economies."

Some of the local Show Societies who have received grant funding include the Baradine PA & H Association, Coonamble Show Society, the Tullamore Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association Incorporated, Walgett Show Society and the Warren Pastoral & Agricultural Association Inc.

For the full list please visit www.agriculture.gov.au